Hudson County Community College Set to Celebrate 50th Anniversary in Style on September 9th

September 5, 2025

HCCC's 50th Anniversary

HCCC’s 50th Anniversary kickoff on September 9th will celebrate the College’s past, present, and future and promises to be a memorable day for all involved.

Celebrity guests, community Honorees, and an energetic dance party headline the festivities.


September 5, 2025, Jersey City, NJ – Hudson County Community College (HCCC) will kick off its 50th Anniversary Celebration with a full day of fun and festivities on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, beginning at 2:00 PM. The milestone event will highlight five decades of transformation, community partnerships, and the College’s enduring commitment to access and excellence.

The afternoon begins with a formal program at 2:30 PM in the Gabert Library’s 1st Floor, featuring welcoming remarks from President Dr. Christopher Reber, reflections from faculty, alumni, and students, and the honoring of a community partners including former Hudson County Executive Thomas A. DeGise, former Chair of the HCCC Board of Trustees William J. Netchert, Esq., and former HCCC President Dr. Glen Gabert for their shared impact. The event will also feature the unveiling of HCCC’s special 50th Anniversary time capsule.

Next, the celebration expands across HCCC’s Journal Square Campus, offering a vibrant mix of activities, experiences, and giveaways for students, alumni, staff, and the whole community:

  • Library 1st Floor (3:00 – 5:30 PM): Live music, food, signature wall, and more.
  • Library 2nd Floor (3:30 – 5:30 PM): A mix and mingle with acclaimed actor and Jersey City native Derek Luke, followed by an intimate fireside chat at 4:00 PM titled “From Jersey City to the World: A Conversation with Derek Luke,” and much more.
  • Library 6th Floor (3:00 – 5:30 PM): Art gallery tours, an exclusive sneak peek at the Museum of Jersey City History’s HCCC Exhibit, and
  • Student Center 1st & 2nd Floors (3:00 – 5:30 PM): Athletics-themed fun including mascot appearances from local sports teams including the New Jersey Red Bulls and Devils, interactive games, airbrushed t-shirts, and custom giveaways. Creative activities for the whole family including caricature artists, photo booths, and more family-friendly fun.

Finally, the celebration culminates outdoors in HCCC’s Culinary Plaza Park from 5:00 – 7:00 PM with a Dance Party and Champagne Toast led by DJ Prince Hakim, son of Kool & the Gang’s Robert “Kool” Bell. Guests will enjoy a high-energy DJ set blending classics with contemporary hits, a special video message from “Kool” himself, and a champagne toast to honor 50 years of access, excellence, and transformation at HCCC.

“Reaching 50 years is both a milestone and a springboard into a new era,” said HCCC President Dr. Christopher Reber. “This celebration brings together our students, alumni, faculty, staff, and partners to reflect on our journey and look forward to the bright future ahead.”

The event is free and open to the public.

Click here to learn more about HCCC’s yearlong “Fifty and Forward!” celebration!

Click here to register for the kickoff celebration and other 50th anniversary events!